Roughly 200 individuals gathered for the grand unveiling of a new recreation center in North Bay last Friday. North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico expressed immense pride in the community’s accomplishment. The $63 million facility, officially named WFCU Place after the Windsor Family Credit Union, was the result of years of dedication, advocacy, and collaboration with various funding partners.
Mayor Chirico emphasized the center’s enduring value for current and future generations, envisioning its significance for the next 50 to 70 years. High school hockey player Kholton Leger shared his excitement, predicting that WFCU Place would become the premier ice rink in the city, attracting teams for tournaments and enhancing opportunities for young players.
Featuring two regulation-size ice rinks, 14 dressing rooms, an indoor walking track, and community meeting spaces, the center offers a comprehensive recreational experience. The project received significant financial support, with the federal government contributing $35 million, the province adding $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and further investments in the adjacent Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex.
Prominent figures like former MP Anthony Rota highlighted the center’s importance to the community and its sustainable design elements, including waste heat utilization from the CO2-based ice plant, cold climate heat pumps, and plans for solar power integration. The municipality emphasized the center’s energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional designs, with provisions for future solar energy and battery systems.
The public is encouraged to explore the facility throughout the weekend and enjoy complimentary skating opportunities, showcasing the center’s accessibility and community engagement.